Solomons secret weapon

Coach Moses Toata says the team was joined in Australia by Auckland City FC Spanish head coach Ramon Tribulietx, who took up a Technical Advisor role with the Solomon Islands for the duration of the tournament.Tribulietx has a formidable resume at regional level after guiding Auckland City to six consecutive OFC Champions League titles.“The team is very happy to have Ramon with us here in Sydney,” Toata says.“He is a very resourceful person and since arriving here he got along very well with the players.“He has valuable experience and we are happy to have his assistance as we prepare for the Nations Cup.”Toata believes Tribulietx’s analytical expertise will be particularly helpful.“In the next few days we will be working on our structure and we believe Ramon can make an important contribution to improve our system and tactical play,” he says.“He will also help us in evaluating and analysing our process.” Toata says the mood is good in the camp and the players are confident ahead of their campaign.“The spirit is high in the team and the boys believe that we will do well in PNG,” he says.“It will be tough competition, but I think if we keep working hard and improving, winning the competition is a possibility.” The Solomon Islands will open their Nations Cup campaign against Vanuatu on 28 May.